An Introduction to Silius Italicus and the Punica

(Hardback)

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In a much-needed comprehensive introduction to Silius Italicus and the Punica, Jacobs offers an invitation to students and scholars alike to read the epic as a thoughtful and considered treatment of Romes past, present, and (perilous) future. The Second Punic War marked a turning point in world history: Rome faced her greatest external threat in the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal, and her victory led to her domination of the Mediterranean. Lingering memories of the conflict played a pivotal role in the citys transition from Republic to Empire, from foreign war to civil war. Looking back after the events of AD 69, the senatorpoet Silius Italicus identified the Second Punic War as the turning point in Romes history through his Punica. After introductory chapters for those new to the poet and his poem, Jacobs' close reading of the epic narrative guides students and scholars alike through the Punica. All Greek and Latin passages are translated to ensure accessibility for those reading in English. Far more than simply a retelling of Romes greatest triumph, the Punica challenges its reader to make sense of the Second Punic War in light of its full impact on the subsequent course of the citys history.

Reviews

[Jackson] manages to convey his enthusiasm for the subject while keeping the reader engaged, which is no small feat Students and scholars alike will find much that is useful in this introduction. * The Classical Review *
An excellent introduction to Silius Italicus Punica and a vital resource for anyone interested in Flavian epic, Roman history and post-Augustan politics. -- Dalida Agri, Teaching Fellow in Classics, University of Birmingham, UK
It is an important book ... that moves along new directions of research, with the ambition to show the way for an integral interpretation of the Punics. * Bollettino di Studi Latini (Bloomsbury Translation) *

Author Bio

John Jacobs is Chair of the World Languages Department at Montclair Kimberley Academy, New Jersey, USA.